Recently on a trip to New York City, while staying in the Midtown area at the 28 room boutique Merrion Row Hotel, we enjoyed a complimentary Continental breakfast each morning before exploring different neighborhoods. One day we spent hours at the newer Hudson Yards experiencing and seeing some of the most one-of-a-kind immersive experiences in the city.

The 24 acre area expands the Midtown Manhattan business district westward to the Hudson River, and has become a hub for wellness for locals and visitors. Construction began in 2012 with the groundbreaking for 10 Hudson Yards. It’s near the Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea and Penn Station neighborhoods.

The area offers the first-ever, soon to be opened (July 2019) Equinox Hotel designed to offer the ultimate rest, play and work environment. Unfortunately it wasn’t opened when we visited the area, so we will have to stay and review this hotel on our next visit. I learned that the 212 rooms of which 48 are suites are totally soundproofed. They offer CCOC-MAT natural fiber mattresses and Scandinavian duvet covers for optimal sleeping conditions. Room service menus highlight healthy eating options, and the Equinox Fitness Club is the largest Equinox built. It offers an outdoor leisure pool, indoor saltwater lap pool, and 25,000 square foot Spa. There is an expansive strength and cardio area, unlimited Group Fitness classes, dedicated studios for Yoga/Barre, Pilates, and Cycling, and a Personal Training program. One of the most coveted areas is the 8000 square foot outdoor terrace with views of the Hudson River and Manhattan.

Another multi-sensory experience is the nearby Vessel in the Hudson Yards Public Square. This 16 story high unique beehive looking metal structure is meant to be climbed and photographed. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick and Heatherwick Studio it offers a new perspective of the city and Hudson River while riding the 8 passenger elevator or walking up 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs. It’s a great workout stepping up and down 2,500 individual copper-clad steps and 80 landings. Entrance is free, however since this is new, you need to secure an advance timed ticket. Same-day tickets are sometimes available beginning at 9:30 a.m.

From the Vessel, one can see people walking along the 1.45 mile-long High Line elevated park. It’s a peaceful spot offering art work sprinkled among flowering perennials beds, and a mix of grasses. American Sweetgum trees provide shade in sitting areas on a rail trail developed on a former New York Central Railroad. The Diller – von Furstenberg Sundeck is one of the High Line’s most popular gathering spots. There are plenty of benches and lounge chairs to rest and enjoy this picturesque area of the city.

Nearby The Shed’s Bloomberg Building can also be seen from the Vessel and High Line. Opened April 2019, it’s a movable bubble style outer shell on large wheels. Inside is space to showcase established and emerging artists in fields ranging from hip hop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance.

For some retail therapy, the first New York City Neiman Marcus is in the area among 100 familiar boutiques and array of experiential and online retailers. Culinary options include Thomas Keller’s French-style Bouchon Bakery, and Mercado Little Spain where Jose Andres takes guests on an incredible vegetable journey through Spain.

Next time you are in New York City, don’t miss one of the most unique wellness areas in the world.

Published in JustLuxe on June 22 – http://www.justluxe.com/travel/manhattan-news__1968527.php